Anonymous celebrates first anniversary of Scientology protests

Bemasked protest group Anonymous is marking the first anniversary of its campaign against the Church of Scientology with a round of further demos.

The group will hold the 12th of its monthly protests against the Cruise-favoured organisation on 10 January, with others taking place on 17 January.

Anonymous is a loosely-affiliated group seeking to dismantle the Church of Scientology by exposing what it claims are the "corrupt and abusive practices" of organised Scientology through a series of internet-driven demos under the banner of Project Chanology.

The group traces its genesis back to the 4chan discussion board and anger generated by the Church of Scientology's attempts to pull an infamous video clip, featuring Tom Cruise energetically expounding upon the supposed benefits of Scientology during a Church awards ceremony.

February 2008 marked the start of a ongoing series of non-violent, monthly protests, both online and outside Scientology offices and centres. Some in the wider anti-Scientology movement have criticised some of the tactics deployed during Protect Chanology, which have included denial of service attacks on Scientology websites and nuisance phone calls.

Members of Anonymous are known for wearing Guy Fawkes masks in the style of V for Vendetta during protests. ®